Karachi Violence: Nine Killed as Protests Over Khamenei’s Death Erupt Outside US Consulate
By Bilal Haider :
At least nine people were killed and more than 20 injured in Karachi on Sunday after clashes erupted between police and demonstrators protesting the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outside the US Consulate, hospital officials confirmed.
The violence unfolded as thousands took to the streets across Pakistan following the confirmation of Khamenei’s death in coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran a day earlier . What began as a protest quickly spiraled into chaos when demonstrators attempted to breach the diplomatic mission’s premises.
Casualties Mount at Civil Hospital
Dr Mohammad Sabir Memon, executive director of Civil Hospital Karachi’s trauma centre, confirmed that nine men had died and more than 20 injured were receiving treatment at his facility . The Edhi ambulance service initially transported six bodies and ten injured from MT Khan Road to the hospital, with additional casualties arriving throughout the day .
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told Dawn that six bodies brought to Civil Hospital Karachi bore bullet wounds . At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, two injured policemen were admitted with injuries caused by “hard and blunt instruments,” while two protesters suffering from firearm injuries were also brought in for treatment .
Dr Syed confirmed to Anadolu Agency that autopsies would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death .
Storming the Consulate
The violence escalated when dozens of protesters managed to enter the US Consulate premises, smashing windows of the reception area before police could regain control . Video footage circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising from burning tires as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement personnel along Mai Kolachi Road .
Police resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges to disperse the crowd after protesters began pelting stones and attempted to push toward the diplomatic mission . Faisal Edhi, head of the Edhi Foundation, earlier reported eight deaths and 30 wounded, with the toll later revised as more information became available .
Government Response
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought immediate details from Karachi’s Additional Inspector General of Police and issued a stern warning that “no one will be allowed to take the law into their hands” . He directed authorities to strengthen security at sensitive installations across the province and ensure law enforcement agencies remain fully alert .
The home minister ordered that alternative routes be determined to maintain traffic flow, as the protest had paralyzed movement in the area. Karachi Traffic Police closed both sides of the road from Sultanabad towards Mai Kolachi, diverting vehicles from Jinnah Bridge toward I.I. Chundrigar Road and turning back traffic from Boat Basin and PIDC .
Nationwide Protests and Security Lockdown
In Islamabad, authorities imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings as the Red Zone housing diplomatic missions and parliament was completely sealed off . Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon announced on X that any form of assembly would be deemed illegal, with strict legal action promised against violators .
All roads leading to the Red Zone were closed, and media representatives were moved out of the area . Police established additional checkpoints, conducting thorough inspections of vehicles and motorcycles while deploying armored vehicles and extra forces .
In Lahore, hundreds gathered outside the US Consulate, but authorities reported no violence. Witness Aqeel Raza told Reuters that some protesters attempted to damage a security gate hundreds of yards from the consulate, but police intervened without using force .
Regional Fallout
The protests extended beyond Pakistan’s borders. In Iraqi capital Baghdad, demonstrators attempted to breach the Green Zone, where the US Embassy is located . Security forces fired tear gas to disperse crowds throwing stones, with protesters waving flags of Iran-backed armed factions .
Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death and announced a 40-day mourning period, naming an interim council until a successor is chosen . The killing has dramatically escalated regional tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the Middle East .
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